Digital SLR Reviews

CANON REBEL T3i - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA VIDEO REVIEW

2011-05-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is my video review for the truly impressive Canon Rebel T3i. It's the companion to the written review below. I hope it helps you make an informed decision on what camera to buy. Please give me some feedback -- particularly if you like it!

I really like this camera and I think you will too. If you're interested in the full kit -- with all the goodies -- at a great price, then check out this deal at Amazon (includes free shipping):

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Zoom Lens & EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens + 16GB Deluxe Accessory Kit

CANON REBEL T3i - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

2011-05-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Just released in February 2011, the Canon Rebel T3i (EOS 600D in Europe) is an upper entry-level Digital SLR, and is Canon's newest entry into the DSLR marketplace.

This camera is a replacement for its Rebel T2i. Some of the great new features include a variable angle flip out LCD monitor for shooting at a variety of angles and higher ISO range.

The camera's low light shooting capability enables you to achieve clear, natural images in darker conditions, with an ISO range of 100-6400 that can be further expanded to 12800.

The T3i can shoot up to 3.7 frames per second (fps) shooting at speeds of up to 1/4000 sec.

With a range of automatic shooting modes, even beginners will be able to capture full HD 1080P video instantly, thanks to a Feature Guide as part of the user interface that helps you develop your basic photo knowledge and skills.

Technical Specifications

18-megapixel CMOS sensor
Scene Intelligent Auto mode
Full-HD EOS Movie at 1080P
On-screen Feature Guide
3.7fps continuous shooting
Wide-area 9-point Autofocus
1,040k-dot variable-angle (3.0î) screen
Basic + and Creative Filters†
Built-in wireless flash control

Pros

High image quality
High ISO performance
Rear rotating LCD screen
In camera processing features Creative Filters
Remote flash firing capability

Cons

Camera is a bit noisy in the continuous shooting mode
Does not have a PC sync flash socket to plug in PC sync cords for off camera flash use
Since the camera is fairly new to the market, there are not any appreciable negatives at this time

Summary
The EOS Rebel T3i features a bright, high resolution, flip-out Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor for shooting at a variety of angles. By simply rotating the monitor, you can hold the camera directly overhead for above-the-crowd shots at concerts, or hold the camera at a low angle for kids and pets. By rotating the LCD monitor fully, the EOS Rebel T3i becomes the ideal camera for self-portraits.

The Basic + Function modes allow even the novice photographer to use the basic automatic camera settings to make adjustments to the scenes ambience such as vivid, soft, warm and several other levels. This is a step up from point and shoot cameras and meant for the beginning photographer.

The Soft Focus effect filter helps dramatize an image and smooth over shiny reflections.
The Grainy Black and White filter can give a different nostalgic perspective to any shot.
Canon's Toy Camera filter deliberately adds vignetting and color shift for a creative option when shooting a colorful scene.
Users can also make a scene appear like a small-scale model, simulating the look from a tilt-shift lens, with Canon is Miniature Effect filter, great when shooting any scene from a high vantage point.

I would say that the T3i is a great stepping stone for photographers that want to get away from simple point and shoot cameras. It's one that allows them to get away from the full-program mode of these simple cameras and give them some creativity, yet not overwhelm them with too much info at once. This camera keeps it simple, yet allows one to opt for shutter speed, aperture settings and advance their photographic skills without breaking the bank.

NIKON D90 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

2011-05-07T02:58:00.000-07:00

This is the video review to compliment the written review of the Nikon D90 digital slr. Please tell me what you think!

If you are interested in this camera, I recommend you check out Amazon. They often have the best prices and free shipping, too:

Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

NIKON D90 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

2011-05-07T02:34:00.000-07:00

The Nikon D90 combines 12.3-megapixel image quality based on the award-winning D300 with many groundbreaking features.

The D90's rapid, low-noise image quality is further advanced with its EXPEED image processing. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering.

Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90?s cinematic-quality 24-frames per second High Def D-Movie mode.

Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly. This is one serious camera for the serious photographer.

Technical Specifications

12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor
ISO of 100 ñ 6400, when expanded
18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
D-Movie Mode; Cinematic 24 frames per second HD, with sound
3-inch super-density 920 thousand dot color LCD monitor
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards

Pros

It has an Exceptional feature set for its price range on the market
When first introduced (2008), this was the world's first digital SLR capable of recording HD-resolution video.
The New kit lens has good optical quality which is much better than average for kit lenses

Of Note: For those of you that already have a Nikon, it will still drive old autofocus lenses as well as the new electronic lenses, something not included in the less-expensive Nikon D40, D40x, and D60 models!

Cons

There are no provision for an external audio input for movie recording
The Autofocus in Live View mode is slow, limited to contrast-detect only; and it has no Auto Focus option with Live View.
It has a maximum frame rate of 4.5 frames per second that is lower than some competing models, but it's more than satisfactory

Summary
This is a fantastic camera for the enthusiast with a great feature list and perfect control placement on the body. The controls feel good.

If you want a camera that does video, takes fantastic photos, has great features and are looking to upgrade to a great new Digital SLR, I think the Nikon will fit your bill perfectly.

It's designed for some serious shooting and a pleasure to use.

NIKON D90 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

CANON EOS 60D - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA VIDEO REVIEW

2011-05-07T01:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the video version of my Canon EOS 60D digital slr camera review.

I'm endeavoring to provide real, valuable content in these reviews to help other current and soon-to-be photogs. If you liked the review (or even if you hated it), please let me know. Feedback is welcome.

If you're interested in the Canon EOS 60D, I suggest you check out Amazon. It's usually got the best overall prices and free shipping, too:

Canon EOS 60D - Digital camera - SLR - 18.0 Mpix - Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS and EF 75-300mm lenses - optical zoom: 3 x - supported memory: SD, SDXC, SDHC

CANON EOS 60D - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

2011-05-07T01:42:00.000-07:00

Let's start right off in stating that the Canon EOS 60D is the company's Canon's newest entry into the Digital SLR market with a first ship date of August, 2010.

It features an improved 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, a new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for finer detail and excellent color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities from 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for uncompromising shooting, even in the dimmest situations.

The Canon EOS 60D also features an EOS first: A Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor for easy low or high-angle viewing.

An improved viewfinder, a number of new in-camera creative options and filters, plus HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV all make the EOS 60D invaluable for the amateur and up-and-coming professional photographer.

Technical Details

18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor; ISO 100-6400 (expandable up to 12800)
Includes 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD standard zoom lens
Improved EOS Hi Def Video mode with manual exposure control
Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
5.3 fps continuous shooting
Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
Note that the EOS 60 is not compatible with CF memory cards

Pros

Excellent photo quality
Very fast auto-focus
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
Built-in Wireless flash control
Great low light performance
Improved EOS HD Video mode with manual exposure control
Custom shooting modes
Wireless flash attachment ( usually found in more expensive cameras)

Con

Plastic body (feels much lighter but still very rugged)
Slow auto-focus in Live Mode
Auto Focus assist only works when flash is up, though flash can be forced off
White Balance is difficult to customize

Summary
The camera has a great feel to it, takes wonderful photos and the battery life is super. With the tilt and swivel LCD screen, it's super easy to take videos as well as those over the head shots.

The E60D is very fun to shoot with and takes great shots in low light. As I stated previously, this camera was just released by Canon in September, 2010 so you know you're getting the latest and greatest from the manufacturer.

CANON EOS 60D - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

From Daguerreotype to Digital: A Brief History of Photography

2011-05-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

While we are now firmly in the digital age and have moved almost entirely away from film (a few stalwarts continue to use it, though supplies are dwindling as it is no longer made), photography has seen many developments and changes in a history that goes back almost two centuries. Still, the actual photographic techniques professional photographers use today were pioneered over 100 years ago. They are unlikely to change much, even as the technology itself has undergone dramatic and sweeping evolution.

In 1829, the chemist and artist Louis Daguerre partnered with another Frenchman -- the first man to actually "take" a photography -- the well known photochemist Joseph Niepce, in an effort to perfect the first practical photographic technology. Niepce's original method was very impractical and expensive. Exposures could take hours, components were fragile and production of actual finished images difficult. But eventually the two men made progress, resulting in a better, faster method that would eventually be called the Daguerreotype. This probably upset Niepce, but as he died in 1833, there was little he could do about it.

All forms of early photography used light-reactive chemicals and elaborate processes to create black and white images. It was impossible to do for anyone other than specialists. Even this newer, better process of Daguerre and Niepce had many problems and was hardly ready for the mass-market. But Daguerre kept working at it.

By 1839 he had greatly improved the process and patented it. Unfortunately for him, in that same year William Talbot invented the positive-negative film process that would come to dominate the industry for more than a century. Ironically for Daguerre, at the height of his accomplishment his masterwork was eclipsed by something better. He was not and never will be forgotten, though the world embraced an entirely different way of taking pictures. Such is the way of inventions and progress.

In 1861, James Maxwell invented the first color film process. Many other improvements and inventions to both camera and film followed quickly. With the introduction of celluloid film in 1887, the way was paved for the rapid proliferation of all kinds of cameras -- from still cameras to motion picture cameras -- around the world and across countless industries. Wide-scale photography was born. A year later, Kodak introduced the first mass-market box camera. From that point on, things began to accelerate dramatically.

Many, many more inventions and improvements followed. With each one photography became easier and faster. In addition, the end result became more predictable. At least in the sense that photographers could be sure they would have something to show for their efforts, even if the could not exactly predict the final appearance of the end result.

It wasn't until 1922 that Leica introduced the 35mm film format still cameras. Over time, this became the standard for professionals up until the arrival of digital. Eighty or so years alter, with the advent of digital, photography has once again been utterly transformed by technology -- and in a remarkably short period of time.

Not too many years ago, many professional photographers swore they would not switch to digital, much as a few die hards refused to give up their LPs for CDs. They were able to resist for a time. But time and progress marches on. It is now impossible not to work digitally, both because the business demands it and for the reason that traditional film is literally a thing of the past.

Now we look back on that long and illustrious bygone era as that of analog photography. Today, the buzz-word and byword is digital, and it would appear that it will remain thus for good.

NOTE: this is another piece I wrote for our camera club newsletter some time ago. It seemed appropriate to put it here.

Digital Photography -- The New Way of Taking Photographs

2011-05-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

NOTE: This is an article I wrote a some years ago for a local publication. I'm including it here for reference sake. A few old-timers like myself might find it of interest.

Photography is an art. It takes practice, skill, and an eye for the unexpected. Not all people will take the time to study a landscape, wildlife, building, or other subject to find the hidden depth within, but when they do often they will find great meaning in the photo they take. Photographers spend their lives looking for new and different ways to shoot a subject. Digital photography is just one new way of taking a picture. There are many advantages for working with digital photography.

The darkroom is out: the computer printer comes forward for most of us doing digital photography. Now we are able to send our pictures to all our friends with a few clicks of the buttons. Digital photography makes taking a picture simple, by eliminating some of the guesswork. With the LCD screen on a digital camera you can now view the photo you just took without waiting and hour or longer to see the film develop. We are no longer limited by film capacity, but by memory cards. Most memory cards have 32MB or 1GB depending on how much you've spent on equipment.

Digital photography encompass everything from very specialized and high tech professional cameras to simple point and shoot cameras. Whether you are looking for a professional grade picture or simply a way to share photos with your friends, digital photography has made photography much easier for everyone. As I said before we can see the picture before we ever print. Further, many digital cameras will allow you to crop and save photos before printing.

Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes, from key chain cameras to modern high-end DSLRs that cost thousands of dollars.And we have all had a little fun with digital on our phones. The great thing is, there really are no more barriers to entry for photography now. Anybody can do it, albeit there is a big difference between what you take with your cellphone and what a professional does with the right equipment, lighting and conditions.

If you are more interested in the professional side of photography the first digital camera you choose should have interchangeable lenses with a high resolution. Go for an automatic camera with ISO settings, aperture, shutter speeds set for you. You can always learn the manual stuff as you go along.

Setting up your shot still requires you to have an eye for the unusual or for making the unusual out of a common scene. Walk around the subject and look for every possible angle. You may even decide to take several photos to choose the best angle. Us old guys call this "bracketing." It's a great way to ensure you get the shot.

This is where digital photography surpasses film cameras every time. Once you have looked at all angles and taken photos you get to see if the effect you wanted is there. It is a faster way for you to learn how to set the shutter speed and aperture on a shot and use lighting because you see the results while you are still looking at the scene.

Digital photography may not seem like it would still use all those skills you learned on your old camera, but this is definitely not true. Instead, digital photography enhances your learning while you are still at the photography site. Instead of long hours in a darkroom or waiting in line you can get the picture you want right then and there.

You'll have far fewer "lost shots" and wasted opportunities, because you can instantly see if your thumb is over the lens or the camera strap was in the way -- or worse, if someone or something blocked the shot. Digital photography has really come of age in recent years. Now take advantage of it to experience photography in a new and even better way.

CANON EOS 7D - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA VIDEO REVIEW

2011-05-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

I love the Canon EOS 7D. Here's my video review for the camera.

Here's a link to Amazon if you want to check it out. I've found that, generally speaking, Amazon will get you the best prices and they usually have free shipping too:

Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD and 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens

CANON EOS 7D - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA VIDEO REVIEW

CANON EOS 7D - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

2011-05-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Starting right off, the Canon EOS 7D is one hefty and fantastic camera.

That being said it takes great photos and full HD 1080P video. Providing full 100% x 1 magnification, the viewfinder offers full frame photography and user-controlled adjustments. It also features a newly-designed transparent LCD display allowing for a number of viewfinder displays to be overlaid at the touch of a button.

By combining this with 19 high precision Auto Focus sensors, the camera can adapt to even the trickiest focusing situations with perfect clarity.

Featuring a wide range of ISO settings, the 7D enables shooting from dawn through dusk. Because of the low-noise and high-sensitivity optimization, shooting without a flash is as simple as a point and shoot camera!

Technical Specifications

18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
8 frames per second continuous shooting
19-point Auto Focus system (all cross-type)
3.0 inch Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dots
1.0x magnification and 100% coverage viewfinder
Magnesium alloy body
Wireless flash control

Pros

Very good low-light performance
8 frames per second continuous shooting
Dual Digic 4 processors - quick and responsive
Excellent quality magnesium body and environmental sealing
Improved button and control
Highly customizable user interface
Large and bright viewfinder with 1.0x magnification and 100% coverage
AF system with 19 cross-type sensors
Good quality 1080/720p video output with a range of frame rates
Wireless flash control
Very good battery life
Very comprehensive software bundle

Cons

None worth mentioning without nitpicking.

Summary
This camera is in direct competition with Nikon and matches it in all areas, especially with the photo quality and AF capabilities. When you consider that it takes 8 frames per second, you're not going to miss any of the action. The video quality is very good and it handles extremely well with the intuitive button placement on the body and its hefty feel. This camera is no lightweight and it's not something you're going to wear around your neck for a long period of time (without the battery, it weighs in at 1.8 lbs.).

This camera is by no means for the beginner, but rather meant for the advanced enthusiast or professional photographer.

SONY A900 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA VIDEO REVIEW

2011-05-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here's my video review for the Sony A900. You can also find the written review here on this site.

Thanks for watching, and please feel free to leave me feedback.

Here's a link to Amazon, which usually has the best deals and free shipping:
Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black)

SONY A900 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA VIDEO REVIEW

SONY A900 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

2011-05-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the first thing about the Sony A900, and that is it's a full frame DSLR featuring 24.6 megapixels. When holding this camera, you will immediately notice its weight as the entire body is based on a magnesium alloy frame, with environmental seals.

With an ISO range of 100 up to 6400, a shutter speed of 30 sec down to 1/8000 of a sec, continuous shooting up to 5 frames/second, single or continuous bracketing and exposure compensating of -/+ 3 steps, this is the camera the up and coming professional will be seeking. When you consider the file size (up to 6048 x 4032) they added a second Bionz image processing engine to accommodate the huge data size.

The viewfinder of the A900 is both huge and very bright, and offers a huge amount of creative control as you would expect from a professional camera.

The A900 has two card slots, one for Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Duo format, and it is possible to select which card your image will be stored.

Technical Details

Continuous Shooting Speed : 5 fps max
Self-timer - (10 seconds, 2 seconds with mirror-up function)
Shutter Speeds : 1/8000 to 30 seconds, bulb
Exposure Compensation : ±3.0 EV (in 0.3EV, 0.5EV steps)
White Balance Mode : Auto plus Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent and Flash.
TTL phase detection Focus System
9 point focus system (center dual cross type) with 10 assist focus points
AF Modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
Wide and Spot focus areas

Pros

Very well built
Excellent photo quality
Body button placement is very good
Easy to use
Best image quality obtained in RAW mode

Cons

Lacks auto-dust cleaning on the mirror (need to invest in some kind of third-party sensor cleaning solution to keep the image sensor completely free of unwanted dust)
The camera lacks a pop-up flash requiring a proprietary flash shoe
No Live View shooting capability
In higher ISO settings in JPEG mode with the default noise reduction settings, the images are a little noisy over 800 ISO
RAW mode uses 36 Mp/image

Summary
There is absolutely no question that it can out-perform anything else on the market, outside of the larger studio type cameras. This camera is a high end professional camera without a doubt. DSLR-A900 is the highest-resolution digital SLR in the world, and also the first "full-frame" digital camera with an integrated anti-shake function.

Recommend using full-frame lenses (unfortunately, very expensive).

SONY A900 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

NIKON D7000 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA VIDEO REVIEW

2011-05-05T01:34:00.000-07:00

This is my video review of the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera, to accompany the written review. It's not the most scintillating thing you've ever watched, but if you're interested in the Nikon 7000 or you're a fanatic shutterbug like me (or you just hate to read reviews), you may find it of value.

I hope you like the video. Please let me know what you think.

Here's a link to Amazon, which generally has the best prices and free shipping:

Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens

NIKON D7000 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW

2011-05-05T01:21:00.000-07:00

The new Nikon D7000 Digital SLR is a camera ready to go wherever your photography or videography needs take you.

This new DSLR (released in September, 2010) combines all of the features a pro would want but is geared to the avid photographer who wants to capture everything they want, when they want, without sacrifice. You'll see exactly what you're capturing with the approximately 100% frame coverage viewfinder.

And for those of you who want to shoot stills and movies, the D7000's D-Movie capabilities now includes Full HD 1080p capture, with full-time auto-focus and manual exposure. Since this camera's first release, it has been screaming off the shelves.

Having had a chance to play with on extensively, I now see why.

Technical Specifications

High Resolution 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor
High Speed 6 frames per second continuous shooting, up to 100 shots
Breathtaking Full 1080p HD Movies with Full Time Autofocus
Dynamic ISO range from 100 to 6400
Ground-breaking 2,016-pixel RGB (3D Color Matrix) exposure sensor
Magnesium alloy body covering front and rear making it (moisture and dust resistant)
2 memory slots for SDXC memory cards

Pros

Excellent photo quality
Built-in Speedlight flash with Intelligent Through The Lens Balanced Fill-Flash automatically balances the output of the Speedlight and the scene's ambient light so you can light your subjects any way you like
Two User Definable Settings (U1, U2) right on the Mode Selector Dial letting you store most camera settings so you can go back to them at anytime without the need for further adjustments or menu settings
Dynamic ISO range from 100 to 6400 expandable to 25,600 (Hi2) lets you shoot in near darkness
Compact EN-EL15 Battery lets you shoot over 850 shots, but up to 1,500 in many instances

Cons

The ISO control button is not ergonomically placed (you canít feel where it is while youíre shooting)
You can't tell what ISO you're shooting while looking through viewfinder unless youíre changing it
Exposure bracketing shoots only maximum brackets 3 exposures.. (if you canít capture the photo in 3 brackets, youíre probably not going to in 7 either)
Autofocus accuracy is dependent upon the type of lens you're using (the better the lens, better the focus) which is true in most high-end DSLR's.

Summary
If you're looking for Nikon's newest mid-range DSLR camera, you don't have to look any further. This camera has all of the bells and whistles any photographer would want, be they professional or amateur camera enthusiast. The ISO range is fantastic, the battery life is great and it takes superb photos. A professional photographer friend of mine just purchased this camera for his wife so we know it's exactly what you'd want as well.

Of note though is this is probably not the best camera for the novice photographer.

NIKON D7000 - DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVIEW